SHOWS. The two organisations will be delivering shows across the region in multiple cities across the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, with some performances marking national debuts.
Cross-border collaboration was also the theme of a February meeting of the Saudi Media Forum as it explores global collaborations in media production. Mohammed Fahad Al-Harthi, president of the Saudi Media Forum chaired the meeting which brought together international experts and industry leaders to explore strategic collaborations and innovative content production opportunities, aligning with Saudi Arabia’ s ambition to become a global media powerhouse.
Among the notable Riyadh attendees were some very well-known names, including David Abraham, CEO of Wonderhood Studios; Amanda Palmer, Founder of ArtCinema; Bob Leighton, SVP of Global Liberty; Jordi Molla, Multi-Award-Winning Director; Darryl von Däniken, CEO of IRF Group; and Kazuko Ishikawa, President of Nippon Animation. Discussions centred on co-production models, investment in high-quality content, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies in media production. HUBS. Another major move was CNN’ s opening of its Qatar facility at Media City Qatar. CNN’ s presence in Qatar will complement CNN’ s existing Middle East programming and newsgathering hubs: the flagship regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi, home to Connect the World with Becky Anderson; Dubai, the base for CNN Arabic; and CNN’ s other bureaus across the region.
The new CNN operation based in Media City Qatar, a leading hub for global media and technology companies that fosters innovation and collaboration in Qatar’ s vibrant media landscape, will go live in the second half of 2025. Its focus will be the development of multi-platform content about trending stories driving the global zeitgeist. A team of CNN content creators will be publishing on digital and social platforms and producing an innovative weekly show for CNN International.
CNN has a“ deep commitment to editorial coverage of the Middle East,” according to Mike McCarthy, EVP / managing editor of CNN Worldwide.“ Whether by adding to our ability to report from the region, providing new, cutting-edge studio facilities, or allowing us to tell a wider range of stories from here in new ways, including via a brand-new weekly show, this new operation in Qatar both underscores and expands that commitment,” he added.
“ As Qatar’ s media hub, Media City Qatar is excited to welcome CNN to our ecosystem, a place where the world’ s most respected media brands can come together, collaborate, and innovate,”
“ Media City Qatar welcomes CNN, to a place where respected media brands can come together, collaborate, and innovate.”- HE Sheikh Dr Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani
said His Excellency Sheikh Dr Abdulla bin Ali Al Thani, Chairman of Media City Qatar.“ This expansion signals the continued growth of Qatar’ s strategic role in shaping global conversations from the heart of the Middle East – because here, where next is made, we are not only witnessing progress; we are making it happen.” SATELLITE. Eutelsat’ s CEO Eva Berneke made a very high-profile visit to Nilesat’ s Cairo
headquarters. In a joint communique from Eutelsat and Nilesat’ s chairman and CEO Sameh Katta, the pair discussed expanding cooperation between the two satellite companies.
During the meeting, Katta reaffirmed Nilesat’ s dedication to creating strong partnerships with global satellite operators. He emphasised the company’ s ongoing efforts to enhance its service offerings across the Middle East and Africa by leveraging international expertise and advanced technology. Eutelsat, a key player in the European satellite sector, was recognised as an essential partner in this mission.
This is not the first time that Eutelsat and Nilesat have worked closely. The pair have long collaborated. Indeed, because the two are very near neighbours at 7 and 8 degrees West, and many broadcasters and viewers see the two as being a single source of channel transmission. In 2005, they agreed to lease capacity on Eutelsat’ s HotBird 4 and relocate the satellite to 7 degrees West where it operated as Nilesat 103. A follow-on craft( Atlantic Bird 4A) was also leased by Nilesat and operated as Nilesat 104 in 2009. Noorsat, a rival Middle East satellite business formed by the( then) Orbit Holdings, was bought out by Eutelsat for $ 75m in 2017. COLLABORATION. The latest discussions also centred on broadening collaboration in satellite operations and optimising television broadcasting services to meet evolving consumer demands. Both companies explored ways to integrate expertise and innovation to improve service delivery, ensuring highquality connectivity and entertainment solutions for diverse markets.
Additionally, the dialogue extended to potential expansions in joint service offerings, aiming to address the growing needs of both regional and international audiences. By aligning their strategic goals, Nilesat and Eutelsat are positioning themselves to navigate emerging challenges in the satellite communications industry while maintaining their leadership in the sector.
The past year has also seen similar‘ partnerships’ between Nilesat and Qatarbased Es’ HailSat and also Riyadh-based Arabsat. Indeed, Nilesat is on a profitable roll which has seen its total operating revenue amounting to $ 101.14m at the end of December 2024. Nilesat generated net profits worth $ 57.681m in 2024, up 31.83 % yearon-year( YoY) from $ 43.754m, according to a formal statement to the Cairo stock exchange. In the first nine months of 2024, the company enjoyed a 27 % YoY higher net profit after tax at $ 40.66m, compared to $ 32.07m. BUSY. Qatar’ s Es’ hailSat has also been busy. In March 2025, it expanded its channel offerings by incorporating three new channels under the umbrella of Ro’ ya Media Group, Ro’ ya TV, Ro’ ya News, and Ro’ ya Kids, into its video distribution lineup at the 26 ° East‘ hot-spot’ orbital position, facilitated by the Es’ hail-2 satellite. The Es’ hailSat satellite footprint strategically encompasses the MENA region, optimising signal coverage and enabling significant viewership potential for all RMG platforms throughout this expansive area. This enhancement underscores Es’ hailSat’ s commitment to delivering diverse content to satisfy regional demand.
Ro’ ya TV’ s channels encompass a variety of programming that caters to different audiences. Ro’ ya News specialises in delivering comprehensive global news, with a particular emphasis on Jordan and the broader MENA region, ensuring viewers stay informed about important events and trends. Meanwhile, Ro’ ya Kids ensures safe content for kids and offers engaging and educational content tailored specifically for children, promoting learning while entertaining young viewers.
Es’ hailSat provides satellite, broadcast, teleport, and managed services from Doha, Qatar, and brings to this relationship more than 15 years of being in the business of catering to broadcasters, telecommunication companies, enterprises, mobility applications, and governments across the Middle East and North Africa. In January 2025, Es’ hailSat
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